Holland America Line is adding another Legendary Voyage to its diverse roster of lengthier cruises from convenient gateways. The “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” aboard Volendam departing November 9, 2024, was inspired by a voyage the cruise line operated nearly 100 years ago. The 2024 departure will sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, FL, allowing guests to experience 16 different ports across nine countries, all without international air.
The original voyage that provided the vision for the “42-day Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” departed New York City February 4, 1925, aboard Rotterdam IV and carried just 550 guests across the Atlantic Ocean to explore many of the same ports. The 2024 cruise follows in the footsteps of the 1925 journey, visiting Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Tunisia, Gibraltar and Spain.
The 42-day "Ultimate Mediterranean & Atlantic Passage” route will first visit Horta and Ponta Delgada in the Azores after crossing the Atlantic Ocean. A call at Tangier, Morocco, is followed by overnight visits to both Livorno and Civitavecchia, Italy. From Livorno, guests can explore Florence or Pisa, while Rome is easily accessed from Civitavecchia. Volendam then makes way to Naples, Italy, and Catania, Sicily, before Piraeus (Athens), Greece.
Guests will then explore the "Holy Land" at Haifa (Tel Aviv) and Ashdod (Jerusalem), Israel, followed by Port Said and Alexandria (Cairo), in Egypt. The final ports on the voyage include La Goulette (Tunis), Tunisia; Gibraltar; Cadiz (Seville), Spain: and Casablanca, Morocco. The cruise concludes December 21 at Fort Lauderdale.
About "Legendary Voyages:" These lengthier cruises, which range from 25 to 59 days, combine the ceremony of Holland America Line’s "Grand Voyages" while focusing on a singular region. Shipboard programming is specially curated to share insights into the history and culture of the destinations visited.
Most of Holland America Line’s "Legendary Voyages" sail roundtrip or from a North American homeport, allowing travelers to see the world via a domestic flight and easy embarkation. The itineraries are offered on a variety of the line’s ships where guests enjoy on-board programming such as theme parties, sailaways and classic cruise activities to further enhance the experience.
For more information, visit hollandamerica.com.
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